Earth-Kind Opportunities in the Kitchen:  In Honor of Earth Month

Reducing food waste is an easy way to be kind to the earth. You’ve probably seen the reason, but if not:

Once in a landfill, food waste breaks down and emits greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide and methane. Methane is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide, making it more damaging to the environment. If we reduce food waste, we could save the environment from this damage. (1)

Here’s a simply ingenious idea for using instead of tossing broccoli stalks.

Broccoli Stalk Chips

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli Stalks

The very bottoms of stalks can be so tough that you can barely cut them off with a knife. So remove those first. Then use a paring knife to peel off the fibrous outer layer of the remaining stalk that is usually so tough even cooking doesn’t make it chewable. Step 2: Slice the Stalks

Slice stalks carefully to about a 1/8″ thickness. Keeping the rounds thin helps them get crispy on the outside but still cooked through.

Step 3: Roast at 400 (F)

Pile chips on a cookie sheet and toss with a little oil. Spread evenly across a baking sheet with a little space between each. Roast 10 to 20 minutes, to desired doneness and crispness. Check often after 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 4: Seasoning Fun

I liked my chips with just a little salt and pepper, but I also tried with a sprinkle of Japanese Shichimi and soy sauce. Let me know if you find another fun idea, e.g., teriyaki, chili sauce, hummus, etc.

(1) https://www.foodwastepreventionweek.com/